My grandparents speak Hindi and our regional language at home. They also understand a little English.

They spend time reading newspapers, watching TV, doing prayers, gardening, and meeting friends. I spend time listening to their stories, helping with phones, and playing carrom or chess.

My favourite experience is listening to my grandmother’s bedtime stories about her childhood village and the festivals they celebrated.

They cannot use smartphones or computers easily but love watching me video-call relatives, take pictures, and play online games.

No. The narrator was very surprised because she had never seen her grandmother cry, even in the most difficult situations. The grandmother was usually a strong, cheerful, and smiling lady. So, finding her in tears immediately worried the narrator.

• Teaching the Kannada alphabet letter by letter every day.
• Giving simple reading and writing exercises as homework.
• Reading the magazine until she can read on her own.
• Encouraging and praising her progress to keep her motivated.
• Buying storybooks and novels to practise reading.

Asking someone else would expose her illiteracy. Although her family was well-off, she felt helpless and dependent. Her self-respect did not allow her to admit this weakness in front of fellow villagers.

The narrator was only twelve and thought childishly — that learning was meant only for the young. Looking at her grandmother’s grey hair, wrinkled hands, spectacles, and heavy household duties, she found the idea funny and unrealistic.

Kashi Yatre tells of an old lady who longs to visit Kashi but sacrifices her savings for an orphan girl’s wedding. The grandmother deeply identified with this character since she too had never been to Kashi. In the story, Kashi Yatre becomes the very reason she decides to learn to read — making it the turning point of the plot.

It reflects her inner strength, self-respect, courage, and willpower. It shows she values independence over comfort and is willing to work hard at any age. She believes age is no barrier to learning.

• A teacher deserves respect regardless of age or gender.
• True respect is given for knowledge and effort, not merely for relationship.
• One should remain humble even after achieving success.
• Indian culture emphasises honouring the Guru.

Very effectively. The grandmother’s helplessness when she couldn’t read Kashi Yatre shows how illiteracy creates dependence. Her transformation — from a tearful, dependent woman to a confident reader — demonstrates how education brings dignity, self-reliance, and freedom. Literacy is not just a skill but a gateway to personal independence.